So I finally went out to find some cliffs to climb by the ocean. We were about 6 hours behind schedule, but I was determined to get out and do this... and when I'm determined, there's very little that'll be able to stand in my way. Now these cliffs that we were going to is a place that I've been once before, but only once and I wasn't sure the exact route, but I had an idea. I think you can see where this is going...
After driving in circles for a while we finally made it up to PCH, and I remembered that the cliffs were just off PCH. The problem is that PCH goes from Mexico to Canada, so remembering this wasn't exactly the most helpful hint I could have had. Anyways, we finally get to a spot that looks like where I was before, so we park, fill up with some water and we're off. There's some amazing scenery there, cliffs, the ocean, the fog, the sunset reflecting off the ocean, the green trees, and the ocean breeze... it's what most people think of when they hear "Southern California". And we're up on top of this hill (mountain?) looking down over everything and I get the bright idea of walking down to the ocean. My pal Doc says I'm crazy, just take the car and drive down there. But I'm pretty stubborn, and I figure a little hike never hurt anyone so I was walking and that he can meet me down there with the car. He thought it'd be best if we stuck together in case I decided to rearrange my face by falling down the loose gravel. After about 45 minutes of going down very steep hills, we got to a nice steady decline, a dirt path and a paralell paved road. By this time our legs are like rubber from fighting gravity and the loose rocks. We took one short break in the shade once, but other than that we kept on trucking. After about another half hour or so we got down to the closest road to the ocean. On the ocean side of the road (South), there was a fence with some brutal looking barbed wire, complete with rust and all. Trying to be a good citizen, I decided that it'd be best if we didn't hop the evil fence from the 1960s, and trespass on private property.
So we keep on walking and after a mile or two we get to a nice place only to find out that it's a gated park with a big fat "members only" sign, with a complimenting security gaurd. Doc's now *really* pissed that people can own the beach and keep the general public off. So onward we go, and after about another ten minutes of walking or so we find out that we were walking on a private road and now we have to backtrack to the gaurd station (who never mentioned that we were going towards a dead end, nor the private property bit) and go around. We walk back about 50 meters and then, when nobody's looking, hop the fence so we back on the main road again.
After another kilometer or so, we get to a large construction area. It looked like they where putting up something really big, and there were some more "no trespassing" signs. There was someone else walking in the area, so we asked him for directions. He was quite helpful in pointing us to what looked like a country club, telling us we could go across the construction area (nobody was there, it's Sunday), through the parking lot and down the path to the Ocean. So now we have to go even further, but it's OK because we're now almost there! We navigate through the construction zone, and arrive in the parking lot to see some really nice cars. When we get up closer to the club house, we quickly notice that all the men are wearing tuxes, and ladies in fancy dresses. He's wearing mostly military gear, and I'm wearing some ripped up, patched jeans from the 1990s. To top it all off, we both have backpacks on that are as big as we are. After all, we set out to go rock climbing, not to a formal dinner. We check with the valet parking guys to make sure they're not going to have us arrested for trespassing or anything; they let us know that we're fine and going in the right direction. Given how we were dressed and what their normal clientelle is like, I was suprized when they DIDN'T act arrogant. They were very helpful and friendly, and treated us like everyone else, I was already impressed by this place.
So down the trail we go, stop and ask another guy if we're on the right path, and if there are any cliffs nearby we can scope out. He helps us in finding the path to the ocean, but tells us there aren't many cliffs, but our best bet is this way and points South/East. We get around the bend and see the sun setting on the ocean water. There's no beach, just so large rocks and a lot of seaweed. However there's an awesome breeze which was very refreshing to say the least. We sat down and took a break, ate some food, and enjoyed the breeze and the view. We realized at this time that we weren't going to make it all the way back to the car in time, so we start making phone calls to see if someone can pick us up and take us back to the car.
We walk back up front to get the address of the place and another valet parking guy, gives us a card with the address on it, and offers us a seat. Again, treating us like royalty, despite my hobo appearance. I could certainly go in there and look like a belong, but today, I just wasn't dressed for the occasion; therefore I did not expect to be welcomed in. Anyways, after about three phone calls we get someone to help us out and give him the address and he's on his way. Really cool guy, helping out like that at the drop of a hat, BTW. We figure that we have at least half an hour to kill so we go inside, check out the fireplace, in the lounge. The chandeliere, brass railing, and red carpet (not quite like the movie stars walk out on, but it reminded me of that). We sat down inside, listened to someone complain to the manager and talk about how he could sue them for something or another. Turns out that man was drunk, and apparently they told him that he's had enough, which he didn't want to hear. We asked to see a menu, and the food sounded exquisite. The prices were actually fairly reasonable, when you conside the service and food you were getting.
We went back outside and waited, and a little while later our ride arrives. I drive us through some peoples' neighborhoods for a bit until I find the main road. Again, I've never been in this town, so I just wing it. Although my route was a bit round-about I get us there without getting lost, or even driving in any more circles. We pretty much came straight home after that, but only after Doc and I agreed that we'd do this more often. So from now on, that's the plan for every Sunday. We'll head West into Rancho Palo Verdes (or a neighboring town) and explore the areas around the ocean on foot. We figure that it'll be fun, good exercise, and a good chance to just hang out with whomever wants to join us. Plus now we know about a very fancy, friendly place we can go hang out if there's an occasion which calls for it.
So who's up for a rock-climbing trip next weekend? You don't have to jump off a cliff if you don't want to; but I've got plenty of gear and I've taught others the basics before. So far I'm the only person to get hurt on a rock climbing trip. And the funny thing is... I wasn't even climbing when I got hurt. I was attempting to cross a stream which was less than one inch deep!
